Gyalo Thondup, Elder Brother of the Dalai Lama, Passes Away at 97

Gyalo Thondup, the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama and a significant figure in Tibetan politics, died on February 8, 2025, at his residence in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. He was 97 years old and had been suffering from age-related ailments. Born in 1928 in Taktser village, Amdo region of Tibet, Thondup was the second-eldest among the Dalai Lama’s six siblings. He played a pivotal role in advocating for Tibet’s freedom and interacted with numerous global leaders on behalf of his brother.

What Were Gyalo Thondup’s Early Life and Educational Pursuits?

In 1939, Thondup moved with his family to Lhasa. At the age of 14, he traveled to Nanjing, China, to study Chinese history. During his stay, he came into contact with prominent politicians, including Chiang Kai-shek, the head of the nationalist government from 1928 to 1949. In 1948, Thondup married Zhu Dan, the daughter of a Kuomintang general. He left Nanjing in 1949 and eventually settled in Kalimpong, India.

How Did Gyalo Thondup Contribute to the Tibetan Cause?

Thondup became an Indian citizen in 1952 and developed contacts with the Indian and American governments to seek support for Tibet. He was instrumental in facilitating the Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959 following the failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule. Thondup also collaborated with the CIA in an attempt to arm Tibetan separatists against the Communist Chinese government during the 1950s and 1960s.

What Was Gyalo Thondup’s Later Life Like?

In his later years, Thondup settled in Kalimpong, where he established a successful noodle business. He detailed his life experiences and the Tibetan struggle in his memoir, “The Noodle Maker of Kalimpong,” published in 2015. Despite facing challenges, Thondup remained a steadfast advocate for Tibetan autonomy throughout his life.

The Dalai Lama presided over a memorial prayer service for his late brother at Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, on February 9, 2025. The funeral is scheduled to take place on February 11, 2025, in Kalimpong.

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